Dreweatts 1759
Lot 28
Y A VICTORIAN CASED SET OF GILT BRASS ANEROID POCKET BAROMETER WITH A COMPASS AND A THERMOMETERNEGRETTI AND ZAMBRA, LONDON, LATE 19th CENTURYThe 1.75 inch circular silvered register inscribed NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, LONDON, 19510 beneath Compensated and with blued steel pointer to centre within concentric scale calibrated for barometric inches 25-31 divided down to twentieths of an inch and with the usual observations, within outer 0-6,000 altimeter scale divided into fifty foot intervals, the frosted gilt brass case with recording pointer applied to the inside of the knurled rotating glazed bezel beneath suspension post fitted with a ring, set beside a conforming compass with engraved rose and signed NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, LONDON to the recessed centre divided N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and NW within a raised outer scale divided for degrees numbered for every ten, beneath needle-locking plunger to the suspension post, the green velvet-lined D-ended folding case also inset with an ivory scale mercury tube Fahrenheit and Reaumur scale thermometer inscribed NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA to lid incorporating embossed gilt crown trademark to the velvet, the exterior covered in iron-red Morocco leather gilt inscribed E.E.P. to the domed lid within a tooled border.The compass and barometer each 4.8cm (1.875ins) diameter; the leather case 13.5cm (5.25ins) wide, 9cm (3.5ins) deep, 3.5cm (1.375ins) high closed. Provenance: Gifted by Elizabeth Palmer (Huntley and Palmer) to the vendor. The firm of Negretti & Zambra are recorded in Banfield, Edwin BAROMETER MAKERS AND RETAILERS 1660-1900 as being established in 1850 when a partnership between Enrico Negretti and Joseph Warren Zambra was formed. The firm became one of the most prolific makers of scientific instruments and continued trading well into the 20th century. Condition Report: IVORY LICENCE REF - ZTP65TZ9Barometer needle did move when bag tested suggesting the vacuum chamber is sound however the reading provided does not reflect barometric pressure hence attention to mechanism is required. The silvering is in fine condition with negligeable discolouration. Barometer case retains original finish albeit with notable discolouration to circumference band, a spot to the rear cover and the suspension post/ring. Compass is working and scales are in good condition with almost no discolouration. Gilt brass case has similar patchy discolouration/tarnishing as the barometer. Thermometer is in fine condition. Travelling case has wear and overall aging/discolouration to the exterior surface and the interior of the lid around the clasp hook. The velvet lining is in fine condition. Condition Report Disclaimer